Intro

1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.

2. Read and Prepare
- Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.

Expectations of women vary greatly around the world, from behavior to dress to… body hair.

In the US, most women shave their legs and armpits, but usually only when they are going to be showing. Generally, American women don’t shave their armpits much in the winter. But once they are wearing tank tops, they shave. By contrast, in Europe, it is more common to see armpit hair on women. But we never see any body hair on fashion models, whether American or international.

The subject of body hair is not something people generally talk about. It’s more often something girlfriends talk about among themselves. But listen to Mason and Amanda get up close and personal on the subject of shaving.

Dialog

1. Listen and Read
- Listen to the audio and read the dialog at the same time.

Lesson MP3

The iTEP® test

Discussion

The introduction says that Mason and Amanda get “up close and personal.” This is an expression that means two people share personal information with one another. “Up close” implies that there is very little physical distance between them. “Up close” is the opposite of “far away.” If you look at something “up close,” your eyes are only inches away from whatever you are looking at.

When Mason says “blank question” he means “frank question.” He means he wants to ask Amanda a very direct and somewhat personal question.

Amanda knows that in the US, most women shave their armpits. That’s why she shaves hers. She knows this is silly but it is difficult to go against social norms.

When Mason says “This doesn’t just happen” he is referring to his facial hair. He shaves it in a certain pattern. He and Amanda joke that she should do the same thing with the hair under her arms!

Do women shave their armpits in your country?

Comments

Some yes some no. It is depend on what are they wearing. But now very little people wearing tank top in mmy country. But some people said that they are used to shave their armpits. Just weird when seeing women with their body hair on hhhhh

Actually, I’m surprised to know that most women in Europe and the USA don’t shave their armpits regularly. I do it in summer and winter, doesn’t matter what I wear. For me it’s, first of all, hygiena. And I know that most women here, in Russia, do shave their armpits regularly. But of course it’s everyone’s own business to shave or not.

Actually, I’m surprised to know that most women in Europe and the USA don’t shave their armpits regularly. I do it in summer and winter, doesn’t matter what I wear. For me it’s, first of all, hygiena. And I know that most women here, in Russia, do shave their armpits regularly.